Detroit had an opportunity to sweep Minnesota at Comerica Park, but the Twins denied it with an 11-5 victory. It was looking good early for the Tigers with a run in both the first and second inning. First baseman Miguel Cabrera (.133 avg) launched a solo shot with two outs in the opening frame while shortstop Jose Iglesias (.179 avg) brought in right-fielder Tyler Collins (.350 avg) in the next inning to make it 2-0. Minnesota was able to answer immediately in the third inning with designated hitter Robbie Grossman (.286 avg) launching it himself for a two-run jack out of the park.
Leadoff hitter Brian Dozier (.243 avg) was able to get on prior to the homer and all of the production came after two outs. Minnesota wouldn't stop putting on the runs in later innings.
Twins rack up even more runs
After Detroit went down in order in the bottom of the third, Tigers pitcher Jordan Zimmerman allowed three total walks in the top of the next inning. Left fielder Eddie Rosario (.156 avg) was able to capitalize by singling it to center. Shortstop Jorge Polanco (.267 avg) scored on the play. The Tigers again went down in order in the bottom of the frame.
At the top of the fifth, Zimmerman continued to walk batters. Grossman and third baseman Miguel Sano (.310 avg) got on with base on balls.
Anibal Sanchez came in to relieve Zimmermann, but he struggled mightily. He coughed up a homer to the first hitter he faced. Right-fielder Max Kepler (.258 avg) homered it to right for a three-run shot. Sanchez gave up another hit and a walk, but no more scoring was to be had in the inning.
Tigers have no response for Twins' fury
Unfortunately for Detroit, the worst was yet to come. A double play ended any hope for them in the bottom of the fifth, and Minnesota would end up scoring five runs in the top of the sixth to put the game away. With runners at the corners after a wild pitch, first baseman Joe Mauer (.214 avg) singled to the left and brought in center-fielder Byron Buxton (.088 avg).
Sano jacked it for another three-run homer tagged to Sanchez. He would stay in and give up another run. Catcher Chris Gimenez (.333 avg) would bring in Kepler to make it 11-2.
The Tigers at least responded with two runs in the bottom of the sixth. After Cabrera walked and there were two outs already on the board, left-fielder Justin Upton (.182 avg) homered it down left-center for a couple scores. Minnesota starter Phil Hughes had his day come to an end shortly after, but his outing was enough to get the win. He finished with four earned runs on five hits in 5.2 innings pitched.